If you're preparing for competitive exams and wondering which degree is the easiest to get, you're not alone. Many students look for degrees that don’t demand endless hours of studying, high-stakes exams, or extreme competition-especially if they’re already juggling entrance tests like UPSC, SSC, or state-level exams. But here’s the truth: no degree is truly "easy" if you want it to mean something. Still, some degrees are significantly less demanding in terms of workload, competition, and required technical skills. And if your goal is to pass a competitive exam while keeping your degree manageable, these are the ones that actually work.
Associate Degrees in General Studies
Associate degrees in General Studies are often the most accessible undergraduate option. These are two-year programs offered by community colleges and open universities. You don’t need to specialize in math, science, or engineering. Instead, you take a mix of basic English, history, psychology, and social science courses. Many of these programs allow you to transfer credits later, but you don’t have to. For someone preparing for SSC or state-level civil services, this degree gives you the formal qualification without the pressure of competitive coursework.
Admission is usually open-no entrance exam needed. Grading is lenient. Final exams are often open-book or take-home. The biggest advantage? You can study part-time while preparing for your main competitive exam. In 2025, over 60% of SSC aspirants in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were enrolled in General Studies associate degrees because they fit around their daily study schedules.
Distance Learning BA or BCom
Distance education degrees from universities like IGNOU, Annamalai, or Symbiosis are designed for working professionals and exam aspirants. A BA in Political Science, History, or English, or a BCom with basic accounting, requires minimal classroom attendance. Most exams are conducted online or through mailed answer sheets. Study material is provided in print or PDF. You’re not competing with hundreds of students in a single classroom-you’re competing with yourself.
Many toppers in the UPSC Prelims and State PSC exams have completed their degrees through distance learning. Why? Because the structure is forgiving. You can study for 2 hours a day, skip a week during intense exam prep, and still pass. There’s no viva, no lab work, no group projects. The pass rate for these programs is above 85% in most states. If you’re looking for a degree that won’t steal your focus from your real goal-clearing a competitive exam-this is the most practical path.
BA in Public Administration
This one is a hidden gem. A BA in Public Administration isn’t just easy-it’s strategically useful. The syllabus overlaps directly with the General Studies paper in UPSC and state civil services. You’ll study Indian polity, governance, public policy, and administrative theory-all topics you’d be studying anyway for your competitive exam. You’re killing two birds with one stone.
Most universities offering this degree have low cutoffs for admission. No entrance test. No interview. The exams are theory-based, and you’re often allowed to use your own notes. Many students report finishing their entire BA coursework in just 18 months by focusing only on the exam-relevant subjects. In 2024, a survey by the National Institute of Public Administration found that 41% of candidates who cleared the Rajasthan PSC had a BA in Public Administration. It’s not the easiest degree in terms of content-it’s the easiest because it’s already your exam prep.
BA in Sociology or Psychology
These degrees are popular because they’re human-centered. There’s no math, no coding, no complex formulas. You read books, write essays, and answer questions about human behavior, social structures, and mental processes. The material is relatable. If you’ve ever wondered why people vote a certain way or how poverty affects education, you’re already thinking like a sociology or psychology student.
These programs rarely require practical exams or internships. Many colleges let you submit a research paper instead of taking a final exam. The competition for seats is low because fewer students see these as "prestigious." But for someone preparing for civil services, these subjects are gold. The UPSC Mains paper on Sociology and Psychology is optional-and many toppers credit their BA in these fields for helping them score above 150 marks in optional papers.
Why Some Degrees Are Actually Harder Than They Look
Don’t be fooled by degrees that sound simple. BCA, BBA, and even B.Sc. in Environmental Science are often marketed as "easy." But here’s what no one tells you: BCA requires coding basics, BBA has group projects and presentations, and B.Sc. programs demand lab reports and fieldwork. These aren’t just theoretical-they’re time sinks.
Take B.Com. It sounds easy, right? But if you’re enrolled in a regular college under a state university, you’ll face tough accounting exams, mandatory attendance, and surprise quizzes. In contrast, the same degree through distance learning is a completely different experience. The difference isn’t the subject-it’s the system.
Also avoid degrees with heavy science components unless you’re genuinely interested. B.Sc. in Physics or Chemistry might seem "easy" if you’re good at math, but the competition for top grades is brutal. You’ll be competing with students who’ve been preparing for IIT JEE since Class 9. You don’t need that added pressure.
What to Avoid
Stay away from degrees that require:
- Regular physical attendance (you can’t miss classes if you’re studying for UPSC)
- Internships or fieldwork (they’re unpredictable and time-consuming)
- Practical exams or viva voce (they’re subjective and stressful)
- High cutoffs for admission (if you barely cleared 12th grade, you’ll struggle to get in)
- Technical subjects like programming, engineering, or advanced math
Also avoid degrees that aren’t recognized by the UGC or your state’s education board. Some private colleges offer "fast-track" degrees that aren’t valid for competitive exams. Always check if the university is listed on the UGC website before enrolling.
Realistic Expectations
The easiest degree isn’t the one with the least work-it’s the one that doesn’t get in your way. Your goal isn’t to get a degree. Your goal is to clear a competitive exam. The degree is just a requirement on the application form. So choose something that:
- Has flexible timing
- Doesn’t require you to be in class during exam season
- Matches your exam syllabus
- Has a high pass rate
- Is officially recognized
Many students waste years chasing "prestigious" degrees while their competitive exam dreams slip away. Don’t fall for that trap. A BA in History from IGNOU is worth more than a B.Tech from a low-ranked college if your target is the civil services.
Final Tip: Start with a Diploma
If you’re unsure about committing to a full degree, start with a one-year diploma. Many states offer diplomas in Public Administration, Social Work, or Indian Polity through open universities. These are cheaper, faster, and still valid for many government job applications. Once you clear your main exam, you can upgrade to a full degree later. It’s a low-risk way to check if you can handle the workload.
Is it possible to get a degree while preparing for UPSC?
Yes, and many successful UPSC candidates do it. Distance learning degrees like BA from IGNOU or BCom from Annamalai University are designed for this exact purpose. You can study for your exam while completing coursework at your own pace. Most of these programs allow you to take exams online or through mail, and attendance isn’t mandatory.
Which degree is best for SSC CGL?
Any bachelor’s degree from a recognized university qualifies you for SSC CGL. But the easiest path is a BA in General Studies, History, or Political Science through distance learning. These degrees don’t require lab work, internships, or tough exams. You can focus your energy on SSC prep while completing your degree with minimal effort.
Are distance degrees accepted for government jobs?
Yes, if the university is UGC-recognized. IGNOU, Delhi University (DE), Annamalai, and Symbiosis are all approved. Always check the job notification to confirm which universities are accepted. Most government exams list UGC recognition as the only requirement.
Can I switch from an easy degree to a more prestigious one later?
Absolutely. Many people complete a BA through distance learning first, then enroll in an MA or even a professional course after clearing their competitive exam. The degree you get during prep doesn’t lock you in-it just gets you through the eligibility gate.
Do I need to attend classes for a distance degree?
No, most distance degrees don’t require regular class attendance. Some universities offer optional study centers or weekend classes, but they’re not mandatory. Exams are usually conducted online or at designated centers, and study material is sent to your home. You can complete everything from your room while preparing for your main exam.
There’s no shortcut to clearing a competitive exam. But there is a smart way to handle the degree requirement without burning out. Choose a degree that works with your goals-not against them. The easiest degree isn’t the one with the lowest standards. It’s the one that lets you focus on what really matters.